The first class of Robinson Scholars was inducted in 1997. The program is funded by earnings from coal mining and logging operations on nearly 4,000 acres of the 14,000-acre Robinson Forest in Breathitt, Perry and Knott counties. The UK Board of Trustees, which established the program in 1995, utilized the E.O. Robinson Trust to provide increased educational opportunities in Eastern Kentucky, where college attendance is historically low, compared to other regions of the state.

June 21, 2003 (Lexington, Ky.) -- Twenty-nine middle school students from 29 Eastern Kentucky counties were inducted today into the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Scholars Program during ceremonies at Hazard Community College. This is the seventh year of the scholarship program.

The Robinson Scholars Program provides full college tuition, room and board, and books during the college careers of students who otherwise would be financially unable to pursue a degree. The students must maintain an acceptable grade point average and graduate from high school to receive their scholarships. Each scholarship carries a present-day value of more than $9,500.

The program is open to eighth graders from 29 Eastern Kentucky counties. Selection is based on each student’s academic potential, essays and interviews. It is also required that the parents of the selected students have not attained a college degree The family’s need for assistance with college-related expenses also is taken into consideration. Students apply for consideration through their school guidance counselors. The students can use the scholarship to attend UK or any of Kentucky’s community colleges.

The first class of Robinson Scholars was inducted in 1997. The program is funded by earnings from coal mining and logging operations on nearly 4,000 acres of the 14,000-acre Robinson Forest in Breathitt, Perry and Knott counties. The UK Board of Trustees, which established the program in 1995, utilized the E.O. Robinson Trust to provide increased educational opportunities in Eastern Kentucky, where college attendance is historically low, compared to other regions of the state.

The Robinson Trust was established in 1922 by Edward O. Robinson, a logging magnate who gave the university 14,000 acres that had been logged by his firm. The trust carried a stipulation that it be used primarily for reforestation and agricultural research or for the benefit of the people of the mountain region.

Since the program began, 452 students have been inducted as Robinson Scholars. In the 2002-03 academic year, 129 Robinson Scholars attended UK.